10 Ways to Read Textbooks Effectively

Most of the students pick a textbook and start reading from front to back and they think that they are done with reading. But when attempting a test, assignment or homework; they fail to answer the questions confidently and fluently because this method of reading is not correct. Reading must be done in such a way that it can be recalled anytime and any questions related to that topic can be answered effectively. Here are few tips on how to read textbook effectively that can be surely helpful to the most.

1. Make a chunk:

Before you begin reading your textbook, divide it into a different section of 10 or 15 pages. You can read every divided section per day if you have enough time whereas if you have less time, try more sections. But make sure that whatever you read you are able to connect with every line and store it in the brain.

2. Underline the points:

Not all the points in a textbook are important. Yes, most of the information is meant to elaborate readers understanding with some key points. Mark those key points in your textbook. It can be done using a coloured highlighter or simply your pen or pencil. But remember that don’t mark after each line or sentence. Rather read one or more paragraphs, indeed a page and then start making the important sentences.

3. Read it loud:

In case if you are unable to understand a word or paragraph, read it loud because sometimes reading aloud can help in understanding the spoken words more clearly and explicitly and if the words are well understood, you can successfully understand the entire page or paragraph.

4. Summarize:

When the textbook is completed, don’t just close it down assuming that you can now answer questions related to the chapter. Take a pause and create a summary of all the important information’s that you gathered from the textbook or precisely speaking make notes. This will help you remain updated with the topic and next time when you have a question, you don’t need to read the entire textbook.

5. Question yourself:

Once you end up reading ask questions to yourself about the chapter covered in the textbook. What you read, what are the core points, how things are connected and what the entire idea is. Asking questions help to solve your doubts and you can figure out how well you have understood the topic.

6. Keep revising:

The more we learn the more we understand and this is the only way to keep information fresh in the brain box. So note is the best medium that will help you in remembering the important points.

7. Keep an eye on pictures:

While reading if you find images and figures related to your topic, make sure to take a pause and understand it. Pictures are an important part of the topic that helps you get the clear and proper idea of the topic.

8. Take small breaks:

Don’t read continuously for hours, take a coffee break or drink water and relax for few minutes. This will help you recall that information and remember it that you have already covered.

9. Don’t go fast:

While reading we tend to remember those things that we have seen more clearly and efficiently. Like if you watch a movie or see an incident, your brain stores the information for a longer period of time and you are also able to recall it easily. Likewise, when you read fast your eyes are not able to focus on every word and hence you tend to remember only a few portions of your work.

10. Take it easy:

A reading textbook can hardly be interesting but yes textbook is the ocean of knowledge. So take it easy while reading a textbook, don’t hurry or read it under the pressurized situation. Understand every line very clearly and make sure you focus on to every word written words in the textbook.

These are ten important points on how to read the textbooks effectively. Go through these points and get an idea for an efficient way of learning and understanding things.